Skip to main content
Check

Smart ForTwo Mk1 (450) (2000-2006) reliability

At a glance

Smart ForTwo Mk1 (450) built around 2006: about average at the MOT

Smart ForTwo Mk1 (450) models built around 2006 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Smart ForTwo Mk1 (450) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

32% of MOT tests on Smart ForTwo Mk1 (450) models built around 2006 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Smart ForTwo Mk1 (450) models built around 2006 involves the tyres.

Smart ForTwo Mk1 (450)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2000-2006HatchbackPETROL

Based on 2,954 tests of ForTwo models registered 2000-2006.

About 1 in 9 ForTwo Mk1 (450) MOTs (10.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2006 (19 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,068 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 ForTwo Mk1 (450) MOTs (6.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2006 (19 years old).

Based on 1,068 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (450) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
50428.2%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,06832.2%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
86630.8%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
38728.9%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
12928.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 19 years old.

How the ForTwo Mk1 (450) compares

At each age below, see how the ForTwo Mk1 (450) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 3,745 tests across 5 Smart models, built around 2006 (19 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateSmart average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
50428.2%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,06832.2%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
86630.8%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
38728.9%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
12928.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the ForTwo Mk1 (450).

  1. 1

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21%

    Lower fail rate: 21.0%, against 32.2% for the Smart ForTwo Mk1 (450), both built around 2006.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,256 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  2. 2

    Toyota Corolla

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.6%
    Dangerous
    7.1%

    Lower fail rate: 29.7%, against 32.2% for the Smart ForTwo Mk1 (450), both built around 2006.

    7 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    14,210 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  3. 3

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.5%
    Dangerous
    5.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 29.2%, against 32.2% for the Smart ForTwo Mk1 (450), both built around 2006.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,519 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  4. 4

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    More still registered at 10 years: 96%, against 89% for the Smart ForTwo Mk1 (450).

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    25,644 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

89%of all Smart ForTwo cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Smart ForTwo name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

How ForTwo Mk1 (450) cars have aged

How ForTwo Mk1 (450) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.

0%10%20%30%1516171819202122Age at MOTBuilt around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (973 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (924 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (807 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (717 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (659 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (790 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (714 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (635 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (536 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (458 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (630 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (521 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.8% (469 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (377 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (304 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (208 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (174 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (139 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (115 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (79 tests, 2025 data)2003Built around 2002, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (76 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2002, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 36.0% (75 tests, 2022 data)2002
First registered around 2006First registered around 2005First registered around 2004First registered around 2003
Mk1 (450) variants compared

ForTwo Mk1 (450) variants built around 2006

The fail rate for each ForTwo Mk1 (450) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • FORTWO COUPE33.4%704 tests
  • FORTWO CABRIOLET28.2%213 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Smart ForTwos of this age

This list covers every Smart ForTwo built around 2006, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (450) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    18.4%
    Advisory: 211Fail: 64 (23% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    16.9%
    Advisory: 250Fail: 31 (11% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    16.7%
    Advisory: 253Fail: 19 (7% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    14.5%
    Advisory: 184Fail: 4 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    12.6%
    Advisory: 157Fail: 37 (19% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,068 tests

Looking at a Smart ForTwo Mk1 (450) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2006 (19 years old), the Smart ForTwo Mk1 (450) (2000-2006) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 1,068 19-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 2,954 MOT tests on Smart ForTwos first registered between 2000-2006. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.